Fujii has won three straight fights since her contentious Split Decision loss in the finals of the 2010 Bellator 115-pound women’s tournament. The quick victory over Benitez was Fujii’s 19th by submission and she was visibly emotional following the win in her first foray into the DREAM ring.

Fujii (25-1-0) returned to action for the first time since July to face Benitez (6-2-0, 1 NC) after rehabbing knee injuries. While her shot was slower tonight, Fujii still managed to drag Benitez to the ground and quickly reversed into top position, where she landed strikes and transitioned to an armbar. Benitez clasped her hands together, but Fujii broke her grip by rolling her over and wrenched back on the arm. Benitez was forced to submit, giving Fujii an impressive victory in front of a sizable DREAM crowd.

With the defeat, Benitez has fallen short in each of her past two fights after reigning unbeaten through her first seven career bouts. Fujii has rallied back after the much-discussed defeat to Bellator champion Zoila Gurgel last year and could return to the Bellator cage in 2012 should the promotion sign a bout with fellow 115-pound star Jessica “Jag” Aguilar or another top contender.

Winner: Megumi Fujii by Submission (Armbar) at 1:15 of round one. She improves to 25-1-0.